Maintaining Distance

New to distance running... normally a 5-10mi runner; however, just completed my first marathon on 05/01/11. My question is: what is the best way to keep my distance sustained at the higher mileage?

During the week I generally get in 2-3 runs (each run 3-5 miles) and do my longer runs on the weekend. Should I alternate a longer run (20mi) one week and a shorter run (10mi) the next... or should I have a three week rotation.. or...??? Now that I have conditioned my body to take the BEATING of higher mileage I don't want to loose it.

New to distance running... normally a 5-10mi runner; however, just completed my first marathon on 05/01/11. My question is: what is the best way to keep my distance sustained at the higher mileage?

During the week I generally get in 2-3 runs (each run 3-5 miles) and do my longer runs on the weekend. Should I alternate a longer run (20mi) one week and a shorter run (10mi) the next... or should I have a three week rotation.. or...??? Now that I have conditioned my body to take the BEATING of higher mileage I don't want to loose it.

Any of you more experienced runners have any suggestions?

Thank you!

Disclaimer: All runners are different, so adjust to your personal abilities. I suggest a 3 week rotation - e.g. 10, 15, 20, 15, 10, 15, 20. This gives your body time to build, recover, build, recover, etc. Make sure you listen to your body. Your body may not be suited for this much high mileage. You can even mix it up a bit, by changing the distances, running some hills, trails/dirt, varying your pace.